Muskegon Community College is committed to the health, comfort, and safety of students, employees and the general public, thereby, minimizing the harmful effects and discomfort smoking produces in the workplace.
In compliance with Federal and State laws, fire regulations, and Board of Trustees policy, the use, distribution or sale of tobacco, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) in addition to the possession, use or smoking of medical marijuana is prohibited in college buildings, extension centers, on college premises and in vehicles owned, rented or leased by the college. If College facilities are rented by non-College individuals or groups, they and their participants/guest shall be required to comply with this policy.
Muskegon Community College will offer and promote programs and services that include practical evidence-based approaches to decrease or stop tobacco use for students and employees.
In addition to responding to student conduct charges, students involved in the distribution of prescription or illicit drugs may face criminal investigation, prosecution and penalties including fines and imprisonment. Students who are also employees of the College are subject to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. Any employed person (including students) who is convicted under a criminal drug statute for a violation occurring in the workplace must so notify the college’s Human Resources Department within five (5) days from the date of the conviction.
Marijuana and Michigan Proposal 1
Muskegon Community College is dedicated to equity and excellence, prepares students, builds communities, and improves lives. To achieve this mission, we seek to foster a healthy learning environment. We believe marijuana use conflicts with this mission. The college has a long-standing policy against drug use on campus and within the college community, and that policy does not change with Michigan’s adoption of Proposal 1. Additionally, the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act disallows the use of drugs including marijuana; if the college fails to comply, it could become ineligible for federal funding and financial aid programs for its students. The college’s policy also does not allow the use of medical marijuana.
Muskegon Community College may prohibit marijuana use within its community despite permissibility under state law. Proposal 1 says that “nothing in this Section shall prohibit a person, employer, school … or any other entity who occupies, owns or controls a property from prohibiting or otherwise regulating the possession, consumption, use, display, transfer, distribution, sale, transportation, or growing of marijuana on or in that property.”
The college’s policy does not allow the use of marijuana, whether on campus or off campus. If a student violates this code, he or she is subject to disciplinary action through the college’s judicial process.
As stated, “The Student Code of Conduct applies to behaviors that take place on the campus, at college-sponsored events or programs, and also applies off-campus, when the administration determines that the off-campus conduct has a direct impact on the educational mission and interests of the college. Muskegon Community College students studying in off-campus contexts or participating in college-sponsored programs remain responsible to uphold the Muskegon Community College Student Code of Conduct and the laws relevant to their location. The Student Code of Conduct also applies to conduct that takes place at any time from the date that a student is offered admission to the college until the student has completed graduation and includes summers and between semesters.”
Muskegon Community College’s policy also prohibits faculty, staff, guests, and visitors from using, possessing, or being under the influence of marijuana while on campus or during college activities.
For more information, read the frequently asked questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Proposal 1
If a majority of Michigan voters, including a majority of Muskegon voters, believe it is OK to smoke and grow marijuana, why won’t Muskegon Community College relax its policy against marijuana use and possession?
Muskegon Community College is dedicated to equity and excellence, prepares students, builds communities, and improves lives. We also believe that marijuana use conflicts with this mission. Additionally, marijuana use is illegal under federal law and permitting its use at Muskegon Community College would violate the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. If Muskegon Community College fails to comply with that act, it could become ineligible for federal funding and financial aid programs for its students.
Now that Michigan voters approved an amendment to the state constitution permitting use and possession of marijuana, don’t I have a legal right to use and possess marijuana anywhere I want, including on campus?
No. Although the new law permits the use and possession of marijuana under Michigan law, it does not affect Muskegon Community College’s ability to set the standards for student conduct. Students who want to graduate from Muskegon Community College must, in addition to fulfilling their academic requirements, comply with the Student Hand Book. As a higher-education institution and employer, Muskegon Community College has the right to define what conduct is permissible and expected within its community and on its campus. Proposal 1 makes this point clear:
Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a person, employer, school … or any other entity who occupies, owns or controls a property from prohibiting or otherwise regulating the possession, consumption, use, display, transfer, distribution, sale, transportation, or growing of marijuana on or in that property.
Can Muskegon Community College prohibit me from engaging in conduct that is permissible under state law?
Yes. Just because something is legal under Michigan law, that does not mean Muskegon Community College must permit the conduct within its community or on its campus. For example, under certain circumstances, a student may lawfully consume alcohol under state law, but Muskegon Community College may, and does, prohibit the possession and use on campus.
What is the relationship between federal laws that prohibit marijuana use and Amendment 64?
Federal laws prohibiting marijuana use trump state laws, including Proposal 1, that attempt to permit its use. Accordingly, if you use or possess marijuana, you are subject to prosecution under federal law, regardless of what Proposal 1 permits. Importantly, a conviction for drug-use under federal law may cause you to become ineligible for federal financial aid.
Can I use or grow marijuana off-campus?
No. As a student of Muskegon Community College, your conduct, whether it takes place on-campus or off-campus, is subject to the Student Code of Conduct, including the prohibition on marijuana use. So if you use or possess marijuana off campus, you are subject to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct just the same as if your violation took place on campus.
As stated, “The Student Code of Conduct applies to behaviors that take place on the campus, at college-sponsored events or programs, and also applies off-campus, when the administration determines that the off-campus conduct has a direct impact on the educational mission and interests of the college. Muskegon Community College students studying in off-campus contexts or participating in college-sponsored programs remain responsible to uphold the Muskegon Community College Student Code of Conduct and the laws relevant to their location. The Student Code of Conduct also applies to conduct that takes place at any time from the date that a student is offered admission to the college until the student has completed graduation and includes summers and between semesters.”
What if my off-campus landlord says it is OK for me to grow and use marijuana on his or her property?
Regardless of what your off-campus landlord permits on his or her property, as a student of Muskegon Community College, you are responsible for complying with the Student Code of Conduct and refraining from using and possessing marijuana.
Can I use medical marijuana on campus?
No. All marijuana use is prohibited, even if the intended purpose is for medicinal reasons. If you are sick or suffering from an illness, you should visit a doctor to discuss appropriate medical treatments.
Does Muskegon Community College’s policy prohibiting marijuana use apply to faculty, staff, guests, and visitors to campus for special events?
Yes. The college’s policy prohibits faculty, staff, guests, and visitors from using, possessing, or being under the influence of marijuana while on campus or during college activities.
Tobacco/E-Cigarette/Drug Free Environment
Muskegon Community College complies with federal, state, and local laws including those which regulate the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances. The following represents the drug alcohol policies of MCC.
In compliance with the Board of Trustees’ policies 4.02.00 and 5.20.00 and the Drug-free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the following represent the Drug-free Workplace Regulations of MCC:
- Students and guests may not manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use alcoholic beverages on MCC premises.
- Students and guests may not unlawfully possess, use, or distribute controlled substances and alcohol on MCC premises or while engaged in MCC activities such as conferences or field trips.
- Being under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance while on MCC premises or engaged in MCC activities is prohibited.
- Students and guests are personally accountable for having knowledge of federal,state, and local laws relating to alcoholic beverages and controlled substances, the minimum drinking age, the transportation of open containers of alcoholic beverages, and the false representation of age by a minor.
- Student employees of MCC shall comply with the terms of this policy. Violation of such policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and referral for prosecution. Any sanctions imposed will be consistent with local, state, and federal law.
- Student employees are required to notify MCC of any criminal conviction for a violation of the policy occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction.
Violation of this policy by students may result in disciplinary action of up to, and including, suspension or expulsion from MCC and referral for prosecution. All guests on campus are expected to follow the above requirements. Failure to do so may result in a request to leave the MCC property or an MCC activity.
